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Villarreal v Barcelona Match In Miami Cancelled Amid Backlash And Logistical Issues. La Liga has cancelled plans to stage December’s Villarreal v Barcelona fixture in Miami, citing “insufficient time” and “uncertainty in Spain.” The move would have marked the first official European league game held in the U.S., but it sparked strong opposition from players and clubs. The Spanish football federation had approved the plan in August, but backlash grew after players protested by refusing to move for the first 15 seconds of La Liga matches last weekend. Promoters Relevent confirmed the cancellation, and the match will now be played at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica as originally scheduled. Villarreal manager Marcelino called the timing of the announcement — during his team’s 2–0 Champions League loss to Manchester City — “absolutely disrespectful.” La Liga said it “deeply regrets” the decision, calling it a blow to Spanish football’s global growth and revenue ambitions. Barcelona said it “respects and accepts” the outcome but “regrets the missed opportunity” to connect with U.S. fans. A Serie A fixture between AC Milan and Como will still be played in Perth, Australia, in February.
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